Long term effects of domestic violence

The long term effects of domestic violence have not begun to be fully documented. Victims suffer physical and mental problems as a result of domestic violence. Battering is the single major cause of injury to women, more significant that auto accidents, rapes, or muggings. (O'Reilly, 1983) In fact, the emotional and psychological abuse inflicted by batterers may be more costly to treat in the short-run than physical injury. (Straus, 1987) Many of the physical injuries sustained by women seem to cause medical difficulties as women grow older. Arthritis, hypertension and heart disease have been identified by battered women as directly caused by or aggravated by domestic violence early in their adult lives. (Corrao, 1985)


If you feel you are being abused or know someone who is being abused call the National Domestic Violence hotline. 1-800-799-7233.